Let’s Talk About Raymarine Axiom 7 DV 7″ MFD w/Downvision & Navionics+ Chart
The Raymarine Axiom 7 DV 7″ MFD w/Downvision & Navionics+ Chart is Raymarine’s offering in the competitive 7-inch multifunction display market, designed for anglers and boaters who want a powerful, yet compact navigation and fish-finding solution. It boasts a rugged touchscreen, DownVision sonar, and pre-loaded Navionics+ charts, all in a user-friendly package. This unit promises a bright, clear view of the underwater world and your surroundings, making it an appealing choice for both seasoned professionals and weekend warriors.
My own journey to this unit started when I needed to upgrade the aging fish finder on my center console. I craved a more integrated system that combined reliable chartplotting with high-resolution sonar capabilities. I wanted something that would give me a clear picture of structure and fish, without sacrificing ease of use or taking up too much space on my helm.
Unboxing the Axiom 7 DV, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel and clean design. The all-glass touchscreen felt premium and the overall construction seemed very robust. Its weight gave me confidence that it could handle the harsh marine environment.
I considered the Garmin Echomap Plus 74cv and the Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp DI GPS G3N before settling on the Raymarine. Ultimately, the Raymarine’s reputation for intuitive software and high-quality DownVision swayed my decision. Plus, the included Navionics+ charts offered significant value out of the box.
My first impression was excitement tempered with a bit of apprehension about learning a new system. But overall, the Raymarine Axiom 7 DV looked and felt like a serious piece of marine electronics. I couldn’t wait to get it on the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Raymarine Axiom 7 DV 7″ MFD w/Downvision & Navionics+ Chart to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Axiom 7 DV on a late summer fishing trip to the Chesapeake Bay. The conditions were mostly clear, with a light chop and typical estuarine turbidity. Installation was straightforward, and the initial setup process was surprisingly intuitive.
The Axiom 7 DV’s screen remained easily visible even in direct sunlight. The DownVision sonar instantly provided incredibly detailed images of the oyster beds and pilings beneath the boat. I was impressed by the clarity and level of detail it provided compared to my old unit. No initial surprises, just solid performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Raymarine Axiom 7 DV has proven to be a reliable and valuable tool. It has faced downpour conditions, extreme summer heat, and near-freezing temperatures without a single hiccup. The screen remains bright and responsive, and the sonar continues to deliver consistent and accurate readings.
Durability has been excellent so far; the screen shows no signs of scratching or delamination, and the housing remains solid. Cleaning is simple – a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove salt spray and grime. It definitely outperforms my previous expectations for a unit in this price range.
Breaking Down the Features of Raymarine Axiom 7 DV 7″ MFD w/Downvision & Navionics+ Chart
Specifications
The Raymarine Axiom 7 DV boasts a 7-inch optically bonded LCD touchscreen display. It also comes with integrated CHIRP DownVision sonar technology. The unit includes a fast 10 Hz 72 Channel GPS/GLONASS receiver. These features ensure accurate position tracking and detailed underwater imaging.
The Axiom 7 DV supports Navionics and Raymarine LightHouse Raster and Vector Charts. It is network ready with Raynet Ethernet and NMEA2000. It includes built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for smartphone and tablet integration. These connectivity features enhance the unit’s versatility and usability.
Performance & Functionality
The Raymarine Axiom 7 DV performs exceptionally well in its primary role as a navigation and fish-finding tool. The DownVision sonar is incredibly detailed, allowing me to easily identify structure, baitfish, and even individual fish holding tight to the bottom. The chartplotting is accurate and responsive, making navigation in unfamiliar waters a breeze.
The only area for improvement is the somewhat limited screen size. While 7 inches is adequate, a larger display would be beneficial, especially when splitting the screen between chartplotter and sonar. Overall, it meets and often exceeds my expectations, especially considering its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Axiom 7 DV features a clean and modern design with an all-glass touchscreen that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The unit is lightweight and compact, making it easy to install in a variety of boat configurations. The intuitive Lighthouse 3 operating system minimizes the learning curve.
The touchscreen is generally responsive, even with wet fingers. The only downside is that prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can sometimes make it difficult to read the smaller text elements on the screen.
Durability & Maintenance
The Raymarine Axiom 7 DV appears to be built to last. The materials used are high-quality and the construction feels very solid. The unit is IPX7 waterproof rated, meaning it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Maintenance is minimal; simply wipe the screen and housing down with a damp cloth after each use. Given its robust construction and minimal maintenance requirements, I expect the Axiom 7 DV to last for many years.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Raymarine Axiom 7 DV comes standard with a sun cover, mounting bracket, and power/data cable. While it doesn’t include a transducer, a variety of compatible transducers are available separately from Raymarine. These transducers unlock advanced sonar capabilities.
The Axiom 7 DV is also compatible with a wide range of Raymarine accessories, including radar, autopilot, and thermal cameras. These expand the unit’s functionality even further.
Pros and Cons of Raymarine Axiom 7 DV 7″ MFD w/Downvision & Navionics+ Chart
Pros
- Incredibly detailed DownVision sonar for structure identification.
- Intuitive Lighthouse 3 operating system for ease of use.
- Built-in Wi-Fi for smartphone and tablet integration.
- Pre-loaded Navionics+ charts provide excellent coverage out of the box.
- Bright and responsive touchscreen display, even in sunlight.
Cons
- 7-inch screen size may feel small when splitting the display.
- Transducer sold separately.
Who Should Buy Raymarine Axiom 7 DV 7″ MFD w/Downvision & Navionics+ Chart?
The Raymarine Axiom 7 DV is perfect for anglers and boaters who want a powerful, yet compact multifunction display. The ease of use makes it a great choice for those new to marine electronics, while the advanced features like DownVision sonar and network connectivity will appeal to more experienced users.
Anyone who needs a larger screen or requires traditional CHIRP sonar in addition to DownVision might want to consider other options.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality transducer to unlock the full potential of the DownVision sonar.
Conclusion on Raymarine Axiom 7 DV 7″ MFD w/Downvision & Navionics+ Chart
The Raymarine Axiom 7 DV 7″ MFD w/Downvision & Navionics+ Chart is a fantastic value for the money. It offers a powerful combination of navigation and fish-finding capabilities in a compact and user-friendly package. The high-quality DownVision sonar and intuitive Lighthouse 3 operating system make it a joy to use, while the rugged construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of the marine environment.
The price is certainly justified, especially considering the included Navionics+ charts.
I would absolutely recommend the Raymarine Axiom 7 DV to anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich multifunction display for their boat. If you’re ready to upgrade your marine electronics, you won’t be disappointed with the Axiom 7 DV. Go ahead and experience the difference a quality MFD can make!